While Iran’s Lake Urmia is nearly dried up and suffers from catastrophic conditions, the Director General of Environmental Protection of Fars Province announced on Saturday that at least 6 out of 14 wetlands in the province, including Parishan and Bakhtegan, have completely dried up.
It is crucial to note that under the current management of Iran’s environmental affairs, there is no hope for the revival of these wetlands. Parishan and Kaftar lakes, once flourishing freshwater wetlands that served as the lifeblood and prosperity of the region, have experienced significant subsidence in addition to drying out. Furthermore, Maharlou lake, containing only 15-20% water, has been subjected to various forms of pollution.
Kamjan and Arjan wetlands exhibit minimal moisture, while Tashk and Hirom are drained to limited levels. Haft Barm wetland has a minimal water presence.
In the upper reaches of Tashk, Bakhtegan, and Kamjan wetlands, the triple dams of Dorodzan, Sivand, and Mulla Sadra have been constructed. According to the Ministry of Energy’s regulations, it is mandated to consider water rights of these wetlands. However, in practice, this inherent duty has been intentionally neglected.
The wetlands in Fars province encompass approximately 209 thousand hectares of the province’s total area. Five wetlands in Fars are registered under the Ramsar Convention, including Parshan and Arjan wetlands in the west of the province, and Tashk, Bakhtegan, and Kamjan wetlands in the east.
The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement focused on the protection of wetlands and the associated flora and fauna. Originally approved and signed by representatives of 18 countries in Ramsar city in 1971, the agreement currently covers 2,412 locations spanning over 254,000 hectares in 171 countries. Member states are obligated under this treaty to designate and preserve wetlands of international importance while encouraging their wise use.
